Southside RNs picket for benefits and a fair contract

Images: Informational Picketing, 11 June 2009

BAY SHORE, June 16, 2009 - On June 11, 300 nurses picketed in front of North Shore Long Island Jewish Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, Long Island. The RNs’ contract expired in February and they have been fighting to negotiate a new, fair contract.

Retiree health benefits, retention of the NYSNA pension, and decent wages are among the items currently on the table. There are 600 NYSNA nurses working in this facility.

“The Southside nurses are hard workers. We’re striving for a contract that leaves our health care benefits and pension intact,” said Virginia Labrosohr, RN, an ICU nurse who is president of the bargaining unit. “In this nursing shortage, we are trying to get a contract will help us to recruit the best nurses and retain the experienced nurses who are already here.”

Joining the Southside RNs on the picket line in a show of support were NYSNA nurses from St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, Peconic Bay Medical Center, St. Charles Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, and Syosset and Plainview hospitals.

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 36,000 members, it is the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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